Community News
Gillespie council purchases $61,000 tractor and batwing mower
Alderman Steve Kluthe says the maintenance department is using “old junk”
After a short debate Monday evening, May 11, during the City of Gillespie’s regular business meeting, the council voted 5-2 to spend $61,280 for a new Kubota tractor and batwing mower with objection from Jim Alderson and Gus Ottersburg. The new tractor and pull behind mower will replace the city’s current 1978 mower they use to mow approximately 65 acres of grass each week.
The cheapest of the three sealed bids Mayor John Hicks opened was from Sievers Equipment in Carlinville with a $57,575 price tag, but maintenance chairman Jerry Doliger explained it could take three to four months to get the tractor since Sievers isn’t a Kubota dealer. Doliger also pointed out that Sievers’ tractor didn’t include a front end loader like the tractor from Nail’s Power Equipment the council voted to purchase.
A representative from the maintenance department attended the meeting Monday and answered numerous questions from the council. Council members quickly found out the dire need for the new tractor and mower after hearing from Landon.
[pullquote]We have to replace it sometime. Unfortunately, we are the ones that are going to have to be the ones to do it.[/pullquote]Landon explained it takes one employee nearly six days to mow the combined 65 acres of grass between mowing in town and at the lagoon with the current 6’ mower. The new tractor and mower will cut that time down to two days while saving hours on the city’s older equipment and giving the maintenance department more time to work on streets and other tasks.
Mayor Hicks pointed out that the city won’t have to rent the boom mower to catch up on high grass with the new 15’ batwing mower. “This will cut back on rental fees and free up man hours,” Landon explained. “It will save you close to $10,000 a year alone in man hours not including wear and tear, fuel and break downs.”
Alderman Frank Barrett said he didn’t realize the city cut so many acres and Alderman Steve Kluthe agreed, saying the city needs updated equipment for their employees. “They are using old junk,” Kluthe explained. “We have to replace it sometime. Unfortunately, we are the ones that are going to have to be the ones to do it.”
Alderman Jim Alderson objected the purchase saying it’s “over kill” and suggested asking a farmer to cut some of the grass at the lagoon to keep for feed, but Doliger continued with a motion saying his department has nothing but old equipment to use.
Water Department
Mayor John Hicks questioned why the water department hasn’t used the trailer the council purchased earlier this year and Alderman Gus Ottersburg said the employees said they don’t like it because they can’t take it in alleys or other small places. Despite Don Schuey saying the water department would use it, Mayor Hicks told the council to take it from the water department so the maintenance department can use it.
“The maintenance department goes out and fixes water breaks anyway,” Hicks said. “I gave them shelving for the trailer too. Take the trailer and shelving and have the guys load it with all of their equipment they need for breaks. Someone has to use it.”
Hicks continued by saying the old red van the water department is using should be emptied and declared surplus property. “They said that was too hazardous to use, so we got them the trailer and now they are driving that van again.”
(L-R): Janice Weidner, Jim Alderson and Steve Kluthe are sworn into office.
He closed his discussion by telling council members to watch the overtime the water department uses. He said two water department helpers used nearly $1,000 in overtime last month and the city might be able to hire an employee for the amount of overtime they are paying.
Police Report
Police Chief Jared DePoppe reported the police department brought in $1,924 during the month of April, but also regretfully explained Sargent Bradford resigned as a fulltime officer for the city. DePoppe said the resignation is effective May 17 and Bradford will continue to serve as a part time officer.
Committee Reports
Water chairman Dave Tucker asked the council to purchase another chemical pump for the water department because the back-up pump is making odd noises and he would feel comfortable if the city had another pump. The council unanimously agreed to purchase the $1,539.95 pump.
Doliger reported the maintenance department is current one employee short, so he made a motion to hire Dale Demkey Jr. on a contingency he passes his test in the next six months to get a CDL certification.
Mayor Hicks reported to the council they may have to make some emergency expenses in the upcoming weeks saying the city might have had some of the sewer line on West Chestnut Street collapse. “The line is 14’ deep and the line is 24”,” Hicks explained. “They are going to run a camera through the line this week to see the extent of the damage.”
New Business
City attorney Kevin Polo sworn in alderpeople Jim Alderson, Janice Weidner and Steve Kluthe before the meeting started. Alderman elect Roger Diveley wasn’t present for the meeting, so he will be sworn in at a later date.
The council approved the intergovernmental cooperation agreement with East Gillespie and approved Fleming Tawfall’s bid of $10,950 to perform the annual audit. The council unanimously accepted the labor contract with the street and water department and voted unanimously to update the ordinance books for $2,283.60.
The council had a request to vacate the alleyway behind 911 Clinton Street, but Mayor Hicks said the city should send out a notice to the residents in the area before any action is taken. The council also discussed who pays the attorney fees and surveying expenses related to vacating an alleyway. No action was taken.
Ordinances and Resolutions
The council unanimously agreed to pass the following items:
- Resolution #15-4 Resolution of Support and Commitment of Local Funds
- Ordinance #15-7 Adding Section 16-118 to Chapter 16 of the City of Gillespie Code of Ordinances Regarding Parking on Public Lots
- Ordinance #15-8 Amending Chapter 16, Article 2, Section 16-92 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Gillespie – Street Cleaning – Signs
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FELONIES
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
